One of America’s heartwarming bakery-café chains since 1987 has been warming hearts and tummies in a cozy atmosphere where customers can enjoy quality meals, freshly-baked bread, and a genuinely warm ambiance. Based in Sunset Hills, Missouri, Panera Bread has grown exponentially, boasting over 2,000 bakery-cafés across the United States and Canada.
How about this, though? As well as being a great place for food lovers, Panera Bread can be a great place for job seekers looking to start or advance their careers.
In the following sections, I will walk you through all the essential information for launching your career at Panera Bread. You’ll learn about the application process, interview tips, salary details, benefits, etc.
Panera Bread Careers
Team Member – A great place to kick start your career with Panera.
- Cashier
- Sandwich maker
- Barista
Baker – Indulge your culinary skills by baking tasty, warm pastries for the customers to enjoy early morning.
- Those who enjoy creating delicious products that brighten people’s days will find this role appealing.
Restaurant Manager – If leading a team to success is more your style, then becoming a manager is an option for you.
- As a restaurant manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of service, leading a team, and overseeing restaurant operations.
Views from Panera’s Backstage
- Fresh Dough Facilities – Prepare fresh dough daily for Panera locations.
- Support Centers – This is where the finance, marketing, and human resources reside.
Panera’s Work Requirements
Age Requirement
You must be at least 16 to be considered for entry-level positions. Managerial roles, however, require 18 years or older.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent helps advancement, particularly in management roles. Completing hospitality courses is beneficial too.
Work Experience
If your heart is set on a particular role, such as a baker, having some prior experience will definitely give you an advantage. Do not worry if you don’t, because Panera appreciates the value of teachable employees willing to learn new skills.
Physical Requirements
Are you able to stand for long periods or lift a certain amount of weight? This can be part of many positions, so ensure you are up for the task.
The Qualities Panera Looks for in Potential Employees
In this industry, being a team player, possessing excellent customer service skills, and exhibiting a positive vibe is vital.
People Who Work Hard
In a fast-paced business, you need individuals to give it their all. You may need to juggle preparing food, taking orders, handling cash, or cleaning. Do you have the stamina to maintain high productivity levels during peak hours?
Team Players
Effective communication, helpfulness, and a positive attitude make you a good fit for the team. Are you proactively assisting your colleagues during busy periods, even if it is not part of your immediate duties?
Skillful Customer Service
In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, employees must play their part. Creating a memorable experience for your guests starts with greeting them with a friendly smile, taking their orders patiently, and responding to any complaints they may have. Is this you?
An Openness to Learning and Growing
Panera offers many growth and learning opportunities for its employees. What steps will you take to improve yourself, learn new skills, or show interest in your career advancement?
Insights into Panera’s Hiring Process
Application – Submit your application online or in person
Pre-Screening Interview – Brief, usually ten minutes. Questions about your availability, transportation means, and previous experiences
In-Person Interview – Could be a one-on-one or a group interview. Inquiring about your professional skills and your personal characteristics.
Interview Rounds – For managerial and corporate roles, be prepared for 2-4 rounds of interviews. Your experience, leadership style, and industry knowledge will be closely scrutinized.
Panera’s hiring process takes 1-2 weeks. Take each stage seriously; each step matters for the final decision.
A Guide to Applying for Jobs at Panera
Applying Online
- Careers at Panera Bread can be found at jobs.panerabread.com.
- Select your desired job category. Example: Team Member – click on ‘Café Hourly.
- Next, filter jobs by location. Fill your city, state, or zip code into the search bar and click the ‘Search’ icon.
- Click the apply button to begin the process.
NOTE: Uploading your resume is optional but highly recommended to give your application a competitive edge.
Applying In-Person
Apply in person at a local Panera Bread during non-peak hours, respectfully ask for the manager, express interest, bring your resume, and dress neatly for an on-the-spot interview.
Remember to be proactive by following up on your application within a week by phone.
Common Questions Asked at a Panera Job Interview
Basic Inquiries – Regarding your background and interest in Panera
- “Tell us a little bit about yourself?”
- “Why are you interested in working for Panera Bread?”
Experience and skills – Cite specific examples from your past to demonstrate your abilities.
- “What experience do you have in food service or customer service?”
- “How would you handle a difficult customer?”
Availability – Be honest but show that you’re willing to be flexible.
- “What is your availability?”
- “Can you work weekends or evenings?”
Situational or Behavioral Questions – Testing your problem-solving abilities and commitment to customer service. Implement the STAR method for these types of questions.
- “Imagine a customer complained about their food being cold. How would you handle the situation?”
- “Do you have an experience where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer?”
A passionate approach to work and a positive attitude are important to Panera. During your interview, stay enthusiastic and positive.
An Employee’s Average Salary at Panera
Salary is always a hot topic when accepting a position.
At Panera, there are diverse roles, each offering a distinct salary range. Your compensation will naturally be influenced by factors such as the specific role you hold, your level of experience, and the geographical location of your workplace.
Entry-Level Compensation
Cashiers, delivery drivers, line cooks, and bakery assistants are included. Remember, income can increase with experience and confidence. Hourly wage may range between $10 and $16.
Shift Supervisor Compensation
Supervisors typically make between $32k – $40k annually
Managerial Roles
- Restaurant or General Manager – Salary ranging from $59,616 annually
- District Manager – Salary upwards of $75k annually
NOTE: These manager salaries primarily depend on your experience and the business volume you manage.
Panera Benefits
People choose Panera for its abundant, real benefits promoting work-life balance and healthier lives.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance Package – Mental, dental, and vision
- Competitive Salary and 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays – For full-time employees
- Food Discounts at Panera cafés
- Child Care Savings Plan
Pathways to a Career at Panera
Career Progression
Panera’s entry-level roles will introduce you to various company operations aspects. Eventually, you can move into supervisory roles and gain leadership and managerial experience. A former cashier or food preparer eventually becomes a store manager, overseeing the entire operation.
Experienced leaders can start as shift supervisors or assistants, overseeing operations, admin tasks, ensuring satisfaction, and progressing to general manager roles.
In addition to these roles, Panera has several other corporate positions in the Support Center, including marketing, human resources, accounting, and more. Many career paths can lead to positions in these areas, including department management and executive positions.
Final Thoughts
Panera Bread goes beyond being a mere paycheck provider. It is a nurturing ground for personal development, where dedication is acknowledged, and a genuine love for people and food is cherished.
A manager once said, “Hire for attitude, train for skill. In a nutshell, it means that when recruiting, look for people with a (good) attitude — like enthusiasm, humility, work ethic, integrity, initiative, and passion — because these personality traits are virtually impossible to learn.
Next Steps
Exploring a career at Panera could be a great opportunity for you, but deciding to suit your goals best is important.
Connect with one of our career coaches so you can dive deeper into your career journey to discover whether Panera is your ideal career path.